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For the third summer in succession, Scottish champions Celtic have witnessed one of their star attractions fly the nest, with Nicolas Kuhn joining Jota and Matt O’Riley in seeking out pastures new.

Signed for just £3m from Rapid Vienna back in January 2024, the German winger has since been sold on for a healthy profit, with ambitious Serie A side Como forking out an initial fee of around £16.5m for his signature.

On the face of it, losing a player who scored 21 times last season in all competitions is a real blow for Brendan Rodgers, albeit with it fair to say that the 25-year-old blew hot and cold during his 18-month stint in Glasgow.

Indeed, the mercurial left-footer scored just three goals during the tail-end of 2023/24, having also only scored seven times across all competitions in 2025. Sandwiched in between that, of course, was his 14 goals at the start of 2024/25.

On that evidence, Kuhn is not exactly irreplaceable, albeit while remaining a key figure that Rodgers needs to replace. Thankfully, it looks like work is being done on that front.

Latest on Celtic's search for a winger

With Kuhn and Luis Palma out the door – and with the returning Jota sidelined with injury – the signing of a new recruit on the flanks is imperative. As it is, the wait goes on to see if Royal Antwerp star Michel Ange Balikwisha will be the man to fill the void, having repeatedly been linked with a move to Parkhead.

Previously also a target in January, the Belgian forward is the name on everyone’s lips right now, with his agent Jibril Rekkab outlining to the Daily Record that his client would be interested in joining the Premiership side, albeit with talks yet to take place:

“Michel-Ange is not closed to the idea of joining Celtic, but the club would still have to come forward. No discussions are underway.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, parallel moves appear to be being made, with The Herald reporting that Celtic have seen a £1.5m bid rejected for Go Ahead Eagles winger, Jakob Breum, already this summer.

As per the report, that bid for the Danish talent fell below the Dutch outfit’s £5m valuation, with club director Jan Willem van Dop stating that such offers had been “so far apart” from their price tag.

If a compromise could be met later down the line, it’s fair to say that the 21-year-old would be a more than worthy alternative to Balikwisha.

How Breum compares to Balikwisha

Described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “an underrated creative winger” who has “such an interesting future ahead”, Breum has captured the interest of those at Celtic Park amid his sparkling displays in the Netherlands of late.

Comfortable operating in a number ten berth or on either flank, the young Dane enjoyed a particularly fruitful 2024/25 campaign, having scored 11 times and registered six assists in just 31 games in all competitions.

That return – which takes his total tally for the club to 14 goals and ten assists in 68 games – included a haul of ten goals and five assists from just 26 outings in the Eredivisie, the top-flight of Dutch football.

For context, that league is deemed to be the 12th best in the world, according to Global Football Rankings, with the Premiership only ranking in a lowly 43rd on that list. Making the leap to Scotland should not be too much of an issue it would be seem.

Balikwisha, meanwhile, has been operating in the eighth-best league – the Belgian Pro League – although his recent injury woes might be of concern, having scored just four times and registered only three assists in 18 games last time out.

Games (starts)

33 (27)

26 (23)

Goals

7

10

Goal frequency

362min

206min

Big chances missed

6

4

Assists

5

5

Big chances created

6

6

Key passes*

1.5

1.7

Successful dribbles*

0.7

0.9

Tackles & interceptions*

3.1

1.1

Balls recovered*

3.9

4.5

The year prior, the 24-year-old still only registered seven goals and six assists in the league, with the table above outlining that it is Breum who comes out on top across a string of attacking metrics.

Indeed, the younger man averaged more key passes and successful dribbles per game, outlining his creative attacking threat, while also enjoying the superior record with regard to balls recovered per game, showcasing his ability to press from the front.

At just 21 too, Breum might well be the more exciting long-term option, with Balikwisha’s return of 29 goals and 17 assists in 141 games for Antwerp not exactly the most eye-catching total.

The question now remains which of the two – if either – will end up in Glasgow, and whether or not they can actually fill Kuhn’s shoes on the flanks…

As exciting as Balikwisha: Celtic contenders to sign "outstanding" star

Celtic are one of the contenders to secure a deal for a star who would be as exciting as Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

ByDan Emery Jul 23, 2025

Harry Kane has been a player who’s been constantly on their radar over recent years and understandably so given his goalscoring ability in England.

The 31-year-old managed to score 213 goals during his spell in the Premier League, sitting second in the all-time list, with Alan Shearer the player who has scored more.

Back in the summer of 2023, the Red Devils were firmly in the race to land his signature, but he chose to join German giants Bayern Munich in an £82m transfer instead.

Despite moving to the Bundesliga, he’s still managed to haunt the club, scoring against them in the Champions League back in his first year in Munich.

However, despite missing out on his signature, Ruben Amorim could be about to land his own version of the England international, with a deal for one player in the pipeline.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

A deal for Bryan Mbeumo appears to be edging ever closer, with journalist Graeme Bailey stating that a deal is expected to be agreed in the coming days for his signature.

He claims that a £65m deal remains on the cards this summer, after Amorim’s side previously had two offers rejected for the forward, who netted 20 league goals last campaign.

However, progress has been made on a deal to sign Juventus talisman Dušan Vlahović, with the Serbian expected to leave the club this summer, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report claims that talks have been held with the Serie A side over a deal for the 25-year-old, which could see current Red Devils outcast Jadon Sancho.

It also states that the forward has rejected approaches from the Saudi league to stay in Europe, after netting 17 goals in his 44 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Why United’s latest target would be their answer to Kane

Given United’s measly tally of just 44 league goals last campaign, it’s understandable that Amorim will want to land a forward who can hand him that clinical edge within the final third.

Current strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only managed to score seven Premier League goals, highlighting the lack of confidence in front of goal.

Undoubtedly, many supporters must wish they had landed Kane when they were originally interested, with the Englishman finding the net on 85 occasions in the last two seasons.

However, despite missing out on his signature, they could be about to land their own version of the talisman this summer, with a potential move for Juve star Vlahovic.

The Serbian has been labelled as a similar player to the former Spurs star, highlighting how much of a superb signing he could be for the Red Devils this summer.

When comparing their respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, Vlahovic has outperformed Kane in numerous key areas, showcasing the threat he poses within the final third.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, has matched the Englishman for shots on target per 90, but won more aerials – handing Amorim the focal point he’s craved since taking the reins.

Games played

29

31

Goals & assists

14

35

Progressive carries

2.4

1.1

Carries into opposition box

0.9

0.7

Aerials won

2

1.1

Shots on target per 90

1.7

1.7

Take-ons completed

1.4

0.8

He’s also completed more progressive carries and more carries into the final third, having the ability to transition the play and carry the ball into more dangerous areas.

The 25-year-old’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more take-ons per 90, and having the all-round tools to thrive within attacking areas at Old Trafford.

Given the need for a new striker and the availability of Vlahovic, a deal for his signature should be a no-brainer this summer, potentially reaping the rewards of any move this summer.

If he can manage to get anywhere close to the levels produced by Kane in England’s top-flight, it would be an excellent addition and one that could catapult the side to added success in the near future.

Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd make approach for "strongest DM in the world"

Manchester United continue to pursue top-level talent ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

Liverpool are now interested in signing an “unbelievable” attacking player who up to this point has only been linked with title rivals Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool considering striker options in summer window

The Reds continue to be linked with new signings, including Almeria striker Luis Suarez, with the Reds no doubt loving the idea of him having a similar impact to his namesake at Anfield.

The Colombian scored 27 goals in the league for his current club last season, as well as registering 33 goal contributions (23 goals and 10 assists) in 100 appearances in La Liga throughout his career.

It has been claimed that Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak remains Liverpool’s dream target, but the Magpies are clearly absolutely desperate to keep hold of one of the best players in the Premier League. If the Reds could strike a deal for him, though, it could be a stunning piece of business.

The reigning Premier League champions are also said to be in the race to sign Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu, with the Turk a gifted footballer who could provide Arne Slot with even more quality in the middle of the park, potentially coming in as a replacement for Harvey Elliott, should he depart.

Liverpool eyeing hijack of "unbelievable" star

Now, according to The Independent‘s Miguel Delaney, Liverpool “may come in” for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this summer, a rumour which has emerged from nowhere considering it’s been Arsenal chasing his £60m signing all summer.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has been hard at work all summer, already racking up over £180m worth of signings including the record deal for Florian Wirtz, but it seems he has no intention of slowing down.

While the Gunners appear to be in pole position to sign Eze, Liverpool should be doing all they can to snap him up instead, with Palace manager Oliver Glasner hailing his brilliance in the recent past.

Eze scored the winner in Palace’s 1-0 win away to Liverpool in 2024, so the Reds have witnessed the quality he possesses up close, and he also netted the only goal in Palace’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.

Slot's answer to Gyokeres: Hughes lines up Liverpool move for "crazy" CF

Liverpool have been named among the interested parties for this prolific forward.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 8, 2025

The England international is both an entertainer and a player with genuine substance in his game, and he could be sensational for the Reds over a four or five-year period.

Newcastle United are starting to click into gear in the summer transfer market, launching a triple bid for some top targets: Joao Pedro, Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper James Trafford.

Frustratingly, all three offers have been rejected. The Telegraph have actually reported that the total package, put aside to reel in the targets, came in at £125m. What comes next is uncertain, but all three players are interested in making the move to St. James’ Park.

In particular, the Magpies could do with some more strength across the frontline. Eddie Howe worked wonders in guiding United back into the Champions League and picking up a Carabao Cup title last season, but Newcastle cannot afford to suffer another frustrating summer transfer window.

While efforts in the aforementioned will be redoubled, Newcastle have also covered their six, earmarking one of the Premier League’s most prominent forwards as a backup.

Newcastle chasing Premier League star

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle continue to monitor Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with sources even claiming the Toon are putting serious consideration into making a concrete move.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Valued at £40m, the England international returned from a promising loan spell with Aston Villa last month but is not expected to remain at Old Trafford after falling out with Ruben Amorim.

Rashford’s preference is to sign for Barcelona, but with the La Liga champions prioritising the signing of Nico Williams, Newcastle are primed to complete their swoop.

Howe would like a loan move, so it remains to be seen how this one will pan out.

What Marcus Rashford would bring to Newcastle

Rashford is one of the most talented footballers to have emerged from the English production line in modern times, though he’s fallen by the wayside over the past couple of years and could do with a career change away from Man United.

The 27-year-old hasn’t reached the last-chance saloon yet, but he’s riding through his ostensible best years and won’t want to see them go to waste.

At his rip-roaring best, the wide forward – who can also play centrally – is a robust and dangerous player indeed, with his proven ability to score significant hauls across any given campaign even suggesting he could be a better signing than the likes of Pedro and Elanga.

24/25

25

6

4

23/24

33

7

3

22/23

35

17

6

21/22

25

4

2

20/21

37

11

13

19/20

31

17

9

There’s definitely an ebb and flow to Rashford’s top-flight career, but who can dispute the forward’s prowess when he’s on his A-game? Indeed, only two years ago, journalist Mazola Molefe declared him a “goal machine” for the Red Devils.

Pedro, who is 23, hasn’t yet demonstrated quite the same clinical aptitude. Indeed, the versatile forward has fired home 30 goals from 70 matches for Brighton, also laying on ten assists, but 16 of his strikes have come from the penalty spot, and with Alexander Isak assigned the spot-kick role for Howe’s outfit, there’s no guarantee that the Brazilian will hit the ground running.

As far as Elanga’s concerned, a deal for either Pedro or Rashford wouldn’t directly affect him, for the Sweden international plies his trade on the right flank, and thus would contest Jacob Murphy for a starting berth.

The Nottingham Forest star has been fantastic since leaving Man United, notching six goals and 12 assists for a high-flying team last year.

But even still, Rashford’s arrival would signify something more exciting than either deal, for if Howe can manage to get a tune from the fallen superstar, he would have a most invaluable attacking asset indeed as the club step back into Europe’s elite sphere.

Ultimately, Newcastle’s above-mentioned transfer offers suggest that Rashford is not at the top of the shopping list right now. Perhaps that’s because a loan move is indeed preferred for the £300k-per-week winger.

However, if Newcastle do end up signing him, Howe’s tactical grasp might just see Rashford return to his finest form and spearhead the next chapter in his thrilling Tyneside journey.

Better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "unstoppable" £43m winger

Newcastle are looking for a new right-winger this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 26, 2025

It is clear that Manchester United have identified the top end of the pitch as the area of the team that needs improving during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5m, and there are set to be further attacking reinforcements to arrive at Old Trafford.

Man Utd's attempts to bolster their attack

The Brazil international is a strong start to the window for Ruben Amorim, because he produced 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League for the Old Gold in the 2024/25 campaign.

Cunha is a proven performer in the top-flight, as evidenced by his goal contributions over the past nine months, and the former Atletico Madrid star is set to compete for one of the number ten spots behind the striker.

After signing the Brazilian star, Manchester United are also in the market to bring a new number nine to Old Trafford, with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic reportedly one of the players on their radar.

The Red Devils have also reportedly made an approach to sign Eintracht Frankfurt number nine Hugo Ekitike to bolster their options up front, after the French youngster international plundered 22 goals and 12 assists for the German side in the 2024/25 campaign.

As well as a new striker, Amorim is also in the market to add another number ten option alongside Cunha, with a Premier League star in his crosshairs.

Man Utd have verbal agreement with Premier League star

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have a “verbal agreement” in place with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

The reporter claims that the Premier League giants are already in talks with the Bees over a deal to sign the Cameroon international, and that he has given his blessing for the clubs to discuss a move.

Plettenberg adds that the Red Devils, who will not be competing in any European competition next season, remain “optimistic” that a deal will go through during the summer transfer window.

The journalist states, however, that Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign the left-footed star, because they have appointed the attacker’s former manager, Thomas Frank.

Spurs are hoping that their new head coach will be able to convince the 25-year-old whiz to make the move to North London to reunite with him, but Manchester United remain optimistic in spite of the fresh competition for his signature.

Appearances

33

38

xG

8.63

12.26

Goals

15

20

Big chances created

13

17

Assists

6

7

Dribbles completed per game

1.8

1.3

As you can see in the table above, Amorim would have two Premier League-proven attackers to deploy as the two number tens behind his new striker in the top-flight next season if the club sign the Brentford star alongside Cunha.

Mbeumo, who was once hailed as “unplayable” by Frank, created a whopping 17 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that he would be the perfect signing for any new number nine, as he can consistently put opportunities on a plate for them.

After Cunha: Man Utd join race for "red-hot" £47m Bryan Mbeumo clone

Man United need new forwards to improve Ruben Amorim’s team.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

It is now down to the club to ensure that they do not lose to Spurs in the race to sign the Brentford star in the coming weeks, as he could be a terrific addition to their attacking arsenal.

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are getting busy behind-the-scenes, and supporters are very eager to see them strengthen with key new signings after a lacklustre Premier League title challenge.

Mikel Arteta has already expressed the need for Gunners officials to bolster his squad in certain areas, with the Spaniard publicly predicting a “big” next few months in the transfer window.

Their answer to Mbeumo: Arsenal bidding hard to sign £53m "level-raiser"

The dynamic winger would be an excellent addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 16, 2025

The arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has already been agreed after months of talks dating back to January, and despite some concerns over his cryptic comments recently, the move apparently remains on track with Arsenal regarding the Spaniard as “done and signed” (David Ornstein).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal are still believed to be closing in on a deal for Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga too (BBC), despite the wait for an official confirmation from north London, but a lot of the noise is centered around their pursuit of a striker.

Last week, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres was reportedly subject to a failed bid from Arsenal, according to Portuguese newspaper Record, with Berta appearing to simultaneously work on deals for both the 27-year-old and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

As reported by Romano there, talks remain ongoing over the latter despite the Gyokeres noise, coming after the Slovenia international rounded off a career-best Bundesliga campaign with 21 goals in all competitions last season.

However, there are some discrepancies over his price tag, and he could end up being a costly operation, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg saying that Sesko’s final price could be up to £85 million despite reports of a release clause below that figure.

Arsenal could sign Benjamin Sesko in the next two weeks

According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, speaking on a call with the broadcast giant this week, an Arsenal move for Sesko remains alive, and they could still strike a deal for the 22-year-old before the end of June.

“Well, I think it also comes down to the player. If they agree a fee for Sesko, I think that one could actually be done when the window opens on the 16th of June,” said Jacobs.

“I’m not saying day one of when the window reopens, but certainly in the last two weeks of this month.”

Sesko is a player who Arsenal wanted last summer and attempted to sign in January (Ben Jacobs), so he’s long been on Arteta’s radar, but the negotiations appear to be dragging on somewhat – indicating some potential issues behind-closed-doors.

News of Gyokeres being very keen on a move to N5 in his stead comes as a welcome boost for Arsenal, though, with their striker search shaping up to be one of the major stories of the summer.

Whilst Daniel Farke will want to keep the main ingredients of his Leeds United camp together, which just sealed a fantastic Championship title success, he will be very aware that some stars from that promotion journey might not be able to cut it in the intense environment of the Premier League.

After all, despite Ipswich Town cruising to automatic promotion alongside Leicester City during the 2023/24 campaign, both of those previously high-flying outfits have now been hit over the head with the reality of relegation, alongside an equally dire Southampton side.

Therefore, if there is an upgrade available to Farke, he should bring them into the building with open arms.

Leeds could consider loan swoop for Aaronson upgrade

As per a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds have been ‘looking at’ signing long-term target £15m-rated Emiliano Buendia, with Aston Villa preparing to loan him out again this summer.

The report states that Unai Emery’s Villans are seeking out a fresh loan destination for Farke’s former Norwich City wizard, and this availability will surely pique the interest of the German situated in the Whites dug-out after promotion.

Nixon further elaborates that the Whites will wait it out, however, considering they are only allowed two Premier League loan arrivals. But, the silky South American has starred under Farke before, so the temptation will surely be palpable for a reunion.

Adding Buendia will also gift the former Canaries boss more freedom in the number ten spot in his starting lineups to come, with a worry that Brenden Aaronson just isn’t well-equipped to be a dangerous attacking midfield force up a level, having struggled in the elite league before.

How Buendia could be a huge upgrade on Aaronson

When Buendia has been injury-free at Villa Park, he has more than shown off his suitable nature for the testing division.

Indeed, minus picking up eight goal contributions for Norwich during his debut season at that level under Farke, a further 17 of the Argentine attacker’s goal and assist tally in the Premier League have come about when donning Villa claret and blue.

Unfortunately for Aaronson, away from just helping Leeds seal the title with a respectable nine goals and two assists, he can only boast one goal and three assists next to his name in the deep-end of the Premier League, with his spell so dismal that he was chucked out on loan to Union Berlin.

Therefore, if there is an opportunity to bring in one of Farke’s former Carrow Road favourites, Leeds should persist, with Buendia not just comfortable playing in a number ten spot to potentially usurp Aaronson, meaning he could also offer the Whites plenty of versatility ahead of the gruelling 38-game marathon to come.

RW

129

25

43

AM

88

13

10

LW

44

9

7

RM

8

0

1

SS

4

0

0

CF

3

0

0

RB

3

0

0

LM

2

1

0

CM

1

0

0

Judging by the numbers, Buendia is actually more adept playing as a right winger than an out-and-out number ten.

As a result, the “outstanding” South American – as Farke once waxed called him – could give the likes of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto a run for their money, away from stealing the American’s starting space.

Having also played in the Champions League last season with Bayer Leverkusen, this could be just one temporary signing, alongside other new recruits entering Elland Road, that allows Leeds to compete in the big time, knowing he has what it takes to dazzle some tough defenders.

Whilst Aaronson didn’t miss a single game in the Championship last season, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, as plans begin to be put in place to ensure Leeds upgrade all over the park.

Big upgrade on Piroe: Leeds in the race to sign £34m "monster"

Leeds United would land themselves a Joel Piroe upgrade if they successfully signed this goalscoring monster.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

Chelsea may have secured Champions League qualification courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday but they won’t get very far in the competition unless they significantly improve their centre-forward options.

Nicolas Jackson managed a grand total of 12 goals across 33 matches this term. Injury issues have limited his impact, but the general feeling is that Jackson isn’t of the required quality to help steer the Blues back to winning trophies.

When Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, the Stamford Bridge side enjoyed its finest era, winning two Champions League titles and five Premier League crowns.

Despite the success, Chelsea have had their fair share of centre-forwards who have flopped under the weight of expectation in London.

Indeed, Fernando Torres (45 goals in 172 matches), Andriy Shevchenko (22 goals in 77 matches) and Mateja Kezman (seven goals in 41 matches) all arrived at the club with plenty of hype, yet failed to deliver.

Add in the likes of Alvaro Morata, Timo Werner and Michy Batshuayi, and it soon becomes clear that Chelsea have a major problem with getting the best out of the strikers they have bought since 2003.

Some are exceptions to the norm though. With one name standing out among the rest like a beacon of hope – Didier Drogba.

How Didier Drogba destroyed the Premier League

Drogba came to José Mourinho’s attention way before he became the manager of Chelsea in 2004. During a game between Mourinho’s Porto and Drogba’s Marseille in the 2003/04 Champions League, the enigmatic Portuguese manager was enamoured by the striker’s performance.

He scored during that game and when Mourinho ended up at Chelsea a few months later, Drogba was one of his first signings, costing a staggering £24m, which at the time was a massive fee for a player who had spent just one season with Marseille.

In the end, it turned out to be a bargain. His first campaign didn’t quite go to plan, but from 2005/06 onwards, Drogba scored 13 or more goals in every season until he departed in the summer of 2012.

The Ivorian won four FA Cups, three Premier League trophies and the Champions League during his first spell with the Blues. Add in a handful of other domestic cups, and it is clear Drogba is a Chelsea legend.

Who can forget his performance in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich in their backyard? If scoring an equaliser with minutes to go wasn’t enough, the forward joined the pantheon of icons at the club by netting the winner in the penalty shootout.

He returned for a second spell during 2014/15, winning a Premier League and League Cup double, a fitting way for him to depart.

Others have come and gone trying to replicate Drogba’s eye for goal and match-winning performances in major finals, but no one has come close, yet.

Could this all change during the summer transfer window? As Enzo Maresca is eyeing a move for a striker that might change the club’ fortunes.

Chelsea keen on signing Drogba 2.0

The Stamford Bridge side have been linked with their fair share of strikers, and the window isn’t even open yet.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Joao Pedro is the latest name to be touted for a move to London. While Liam Delap is available for just £30m after Ipswich Town were relegated. Victor Osimhen is still a reported target for the Blues, who missed out on him last summer.

Journalist Miguel Delaney of the Independent has now stated that the Blues are keen on signing Hugo Ekitike this summer, saying: “Chelsea now strongly considering Ekitike, as they hone striker pursuit after Champions League qualification.” In a follow up report, he noted that the Blues are now ‘extensively discussing a move’ for the forward.

Now that a seat at the top table of European football has been secured, Chelsea are keen on improving their squad.

They will have to splash money in bringing Ekitike to London, however, as he would likely cost around £85m.

Given the financial rewards on offer for playing in Europe’s premier competition next season, this fee might be something Maresca could pay, especially as he is in dire need of a new striker.

Could he replicate the feats of a certain Drogba? Ekitike has all the required tools to do so, that’s for sure.

Why Chelsea must sign Hugo Ekitike

Respected analyst Ben Mattinson ensured plenty of European heavyweights were on standby this summer by lauding the striker in March.

“A move in the summer seems inevitable and rightly so, Ekitiké is one of the best strikers out there ready to explode,” he said.

Across 48 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt, the Frenchman scored 22 goals while registering 12 assists in all competitions. Not just a typical number nine, but also a player who is keen to link up well with others and generate chances for his teammates.

Metric

Europa League

Bundesliga

Goals

4

15

Assists

3

8

Big chances created

6

12

Sots per 90

2.2

3.5

Goal conversion percentage

15%

13%

Drogba was also a well-rounded centre-forward, recording 82 assists over his 381 games for the Blues.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the former PSG centre-forward has been a standout performer.

Indeed, not only does he rank in the top 6% for total shots (3.74) and shot-creating actions (3.5) per 90 over the previous 12 months, he also ranks in the top 9% for assists (0.29) per 90.

Additionally, Ekitike also ranks in the top 6% for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area. It is evident that he possesses the skills which could make him a big success in the Premier League.

Notably described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, like Drogba, he would be making a move from a respected team in a top-five European league following a successful campaign.

With an insatiable eye for goal and a selfless nature in the final third, Ekitike exudes many of the qualities that endeared Drogba to the Chelsea faithful during his two spells in London.

Should the French sensation move to Chelsea, he might have a lot of living up to do. Given his displays for Frankfurt, this might not be a problem.

£60m CB among Chelsea's top targets; he's "one of the best" in England

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Chelsea are now plotting an offer to rival Liverpool and PSG for the signing of a star centre-back, after they missed out on a deal for widely reported Dean Huijsen, who’s joining Real Madrid.

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Reliable reports from the start of May indicated that Chelsea made Huijsen a “strong” offer to join them after holding productive talks with the defender’s representatives (Simon Phillips), and they were apparently ready to hand him a “lucrative” seven-year contract (TEAMtalk).

2. Arsenal

71

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

65

At one point, Chelsea were convinced that Huijsen would make the move to Stamford Bridge, but that dream has now been quashed by Real’s advances for the ex-Juventus starlet.

Los Blancos have agreed to pay Huijsen’s £50 million release clause, and this season will officially be his last in the Premier League as he nears a return to his homeland, despite eagerness from the division’s top sides to keep him in England.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, commenting on Huijsen’s impending move to the Spanish capital, expressed his delight for the centre-half.

“Obviously, from my point of view, you never want to lose this type of player because he’s been so good for us,” said Iraola.

“But there’s also a part where you feel happy for him, because he’s going to Real Madrid. I think that’s what he really wanted to do. And obviously, we hope everything goes well for him.”

For Chelsea, it is back to the drawing board for BlueCo, who remain keen on strengthening Enzo Maresca’s back line with a key addition at the heart of his defence.

It’s long been reported that Chelsea want a new centre-back as one of their main transfer priorities. Defensive trio Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah have all been linked with summer departures from Cobham, and some reports in France even state that Chelsea could consider selling Wesley Fofana.

Chelsea plot £46m bid for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo

Taking this into account, Maresca’s side are still firmly in the market for another defender, with Benfica star Tomas Araujo now climbing up the shortlist after Huijsen’s switch to Madrid.

According to Chelsea News, they were in for the Portugal international last summer, but Chelsea ultimately didn’t come close enough to his £67 million release clause.

However, that interest remains, and Chelsea are considering a bid worth up to £46 million for Araujo. That being said, both Liverpool and PSG are also keen on signing the 23-year-old, so they’ll face stiff competition akin to the race for Huijsen.

It is little surprise that is the case, either, with Araujo drawing comparisons to Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.

“Tomas Araujo is a modern defender, with solid build-up play and the ability to defend the area, while also possessing good anticipation and ball control,” wrote Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

“Tomas Araujo is like a Portuguese Gerard Pique. Therefore, it’s no surprise that several Premier League teams have picked up the phone to inquire about his services.”

It now feels more like a matter of when and not if Ange Postecoglou is relieved of his duties as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

The Australian coach has done well enough in the Europa League this year and stands one game away from the final, but in the Premier League, they sit in 16th place with 19 defeats to their name.

Understandably, then, there have been numerous reports in recent weeks linking a number of top-class managers with the club, with Andoni Iraola being one of the most notable.

Yet, while the Spaniard would likely do a brilliant job, a recent report has now linked the North Londoners with an even better candidate.

Tottenham's manager search

Before getting to the manager in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of the other names that have been linked with the Tottenham job in recent weeks, such as Niko Kovač and Oliver Glasner.

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The former would be difficult to take away from Borussia Dortmund, but it would almost certainly be worth the effort, as not only has he turned the side around, but he’s also got an impressive track record of winning major silverware with Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Interestingly, Glasner has also got a track record of success with Frankfurt, winning the Europa League with them in 2022, and on top of that, he’s led Crystal Palace to the FA Cup final this season, which would have been unthinkable when he took over.

Yet, to be comfortably described as ‘far better than Iraola,’ Spurs potential hire would have had to do something even bigger than that in recent years, which is where Xavi Hernández comes in.

According to a recent report from Spain, Tottenham are one of several teams interested in hiring the former Barcelona boss.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report claims that German giants Bayer Leverkusen and Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal are also keen on the Spaniard.

As he’s currently unemployed, the World Cup winner has the luxury of joining whichever side he wants, so Daniel Levy and Co should do what they can to convince him, as he’d be an even better hire than Iraola.

Why Xavi would be a better hire than Iraola

So, if the decision Spurs have to make in the summer is between Xavi and Iraola, why should they go with the former?

First and foremost, while the Bournemouth manager did a great job getting Rayo Vallecano promoted to La Liga and has turned the Cherries into an upper mid-table Premier League side, he has no experience managing a huge club.

Moreover, this lack of experience at the top means we have no idea how he’d cope with the added pressure to get over the line in competitions.

In contrast, the former Barça boss led his former side to the title and Spanish in 22/23, which was their first in four years.

On top of that, when you compare their recent records, it further makes the case for the league winner, whom Joan Laporta dubbed “the best manager in the world.”

Games

143

84

Wins

91

34

Draws

23

20

Losses

29

30

Points per Game

2.07

1.45

For example, he won 91 games in charge of the Catalan giants, drew 23, lost 29 and averaged 2.07 points per game, while the Cherries boss has won 34 games, drawn 20 and lost 30 since taking the job on the south coast, which comes out to 1.45 points per game.

Ultimately, while Iraola would be a good hire for Spurs, Xavi has the experience and record to suggest he’d be an even better one.

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